Lat The situation at Tangshan is now slightly easier in view of the payment made by the Chamber of Commerce to the disaffected Norther troops, but it is still regarded as being serious and full of dangerous possibilities, transpires that the ultimatum delivered by the Shantung troops to the Chamber of Commerce gave the latter no alternative but to accede to their demands, the Chamder finding it impossible to rush 1a protective force to the scene owls to the attitude of the soldiery.
Last night a tense situation developed owing to a squabble in the ranks of the soldiery regarding, the division of their spoils and it reported that an armed guard was placed on the money throughout the night. It is also said that anew demand was made to-day.
The seriousness of the situa is aggravated because food supplies are diminishing, also because of the difficulty of transporting food to the district in view of the fact that the vicinity is saddled with so many troops.
The foreign residents there number about fifty, the majority of them being British: The women and children were evacuated to Chinwangtao early in June, while the American force was withdrawn at the same time to Tientsin, Though the rumours of looting not been confirmed, it is conred very likely that looting has taken place.
The foreign authorities concerned have already wired to Marshal Chang Chung-chang, placing on him the entire responsibility for incidents at Tangshan—Reuter. wangtao. It is anticipated that the Battalion is proceeding to Tangshan. to protect the plants and equipment of the Kailan Mining Administra-
Tientsin, June 23.
The Ist Battalion of the Bedford. shire and Hertfordshire Regiment proceeded to Tangshan from Weihaiwei, vid Chinwangtao, to-day.—Reu-_ ter.
Peking, June 24.
Reuter is authoritatively informed that it has been decided to despatch British troops to Tangshan at once for the protection of the lives and property of British and foreign employees of the Kailan Mining Administration.
This measure, which it had been hoped to avoid, has now been forced on the British authorities by the ion of the Senior Officer of the Chibli-Shantung forces in demanding money from the Tangshan Chamber of Commerce under pain of turning loose his soldiers on the town.
As soon as the menace to life and property is over the Bri troops will immediately be with. drawn.—Reuter, Tientsin, June 24, The battalion of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment whic! is on its way from Weihaiwei to] Tangshan sailed from here by the cruiser Berwick at five this morning for Chinwangtao, The situation at Tangshan is quieter, mainly owing to the com. memoration of Chang Tsodin's death.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.